DURBAN AWAKENING RETREAT
TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE IN THREE UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
A journey to the shoreline of your soul,
where you will discover that the fulfillment
you have been seeking is already within you.
📅 23-25 July 2027
🌊 Salt Rock Hotel, Ballito, KZN South Africa
🔥 40 Participants
A 5-night men's retreat in the wilds of Namibia, where modern warriors shed their armor, awaken their untamed strength and return home transformed.
14-19 August 2026
Nambwa Tented Lodge, Bwabwata National Park
R64,500 per person sharing +30% single supplement
€4,300 available for international guests
• Only 15 spots available
"Your most extraordinary chapter could be one decision away. I'd love to walk this path with you."
BRETT SHUTTLEWORTH
THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL
WELLNESS RETREAT
There are many retreats that offer inspiration, beautiful locations and curated experiences. The Durban Awakening Retreat offers all of that and more. The hospitality is world class, the food is exceptional and the ocean is right at your door.
But what happens here goes far deeper.
The facilitators guiding this experience are two men who built extraordinary lives by every external measure, and then had the courage to walk away from all of it to answer the question that no amount of success had answered.
Brett Shuttleworth was a professional rugby player, South Africa's first male supermodel and a Hollywood actor. He stood on red carpets and in front of cameras and in rooms most people never enter.
And at the height of it all, he felt empty.
That emptiness sent him to India, to Bali, to Rishikesh. Not as a tourist, but as someone genuinely searching. What he found there, and what he has spent the last 25 years distilling into the 7 Sacred Miracles methodology, is what he brings to the retreat. Across 53 retreats and over 200,000 people guided worldwide, his teaching has one consistent outcome: people leave knowing something about themselves they could not access before.
Joe Van Niekerk captained Toulon to European championship glory. 52 Springbok caps. A career that placed him among the greatest rugby players of his generation. And when it ended, he collapsed inward.
Lost his identity. Faced addiction, autoimmune disease and a silence he did not know how to fill.
He rebuilt himself from the inside out through breathwork, somatic healing, plant medicine and years of genuine inner work. What emerged on the other side was not just a healed man but a profoundly gifted facilitator. Someone who knows what it costs to be honest with yourself. And who knows exactly how to guide others through that same door.
Together, they create
something rare.
Brett's teachings reconnect you with your true essence. Joe's embodiment practices carry it into the nervous system, into the breath, into the body where real change takes root.
They lived what they teach, and in July they facilitate your awakening in one of the most beautiful coastal settings in South Africa.
What Brett and Joe bring to the retreat together is genuinely world class, and also genuinely rare.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
This is not a retreat where you tune out and let it wash over you.
You will tune deeply into your soul, passion and purpose.
Day 1 - Discover the Rhythm of Your Heart
Arrive and settle into the sacred space. Connect with yourself and the circle as you begin tuning into the rhythm of your heart. Opening ceremony, Brett's first two Sacred Miracles, guided movement with Joe and time by the ocean.
Opening ceremony
Sacred Miracles: Intention & Masterpiece
Somatic Movement with Joe van Niekerk
Ocean integration time
Day 2 - The Awakening
Greet the day with a sunrise beach gathering. Awaken a new sense of self and let go of what no longer serves you. A sacred letting-go fire ceremony under the stars closes the most powerful day of the retreat.
Sunrise beach gathering
Sacred Miracles: Gratitude & Balance
Breathwork with Joe van Niekerk
Ocean intention ceremony
Letting go fire ceremony
Day 3 - A New Dawn: Rise to Your Truth
Rise with clarity, strength and a renewed sense of purpose. HoJo Japanese martial arts embodies the day's teachings. A heartfelt closing ceremony completes the journey.
Sunrise reflection
Sacred Miracles: Integrity, Humour & Love
Hojo sword practice
Group sharing and celebration
Closing ceremony
Every part of this experience is intentional.
You won’t leave as someone new. You’ll leave as who you’ve always been. Fully Awakened.
WHERE YOU WILL STAY
Where the Rhythm of the Ocean Meets the Rhythm of Your Soul
Located on the tropical, palm-fringed shore of the Indian Ocean, Salt Rock Hotel's prime beachfront position ensures every suite enjoys spectacular sea views. In the early morning or evening, you might spot dolphins from your room. At night, the sound of the surf will sing you to sleep.
There is something about the ocean. The way the rhythm of waves breaking and retreating mimics the rhythm of your breathing. Part of your transformation will be powered by this place.
On The Beach
Walk directly onto golden sand at the tidal pool with views of marine life below.
Unbeatable Coastline Views
Doze or do some serious dolphin spotting. You might even spy whales in season.
Sunrise & Sunsets with Palm Trees
Palm-fringed shores and skies that turn gold at the end of each day. This is the backdrop to your three days of transformation.
Coco's Buffet
Full-board dining to nourish body and soul across your three-day stay.
MEET YOUR FACILITATORS & RETREAT ANGEL
This retreat is not just held by a place. It is held by individuals who attained every trapping of success and found them hollow.
They walked the road to awakening, and returned with the tools to guide others along it.
Brett Shuttleworth
The Consciousness Pioneer
From high-performance sport and global success as a supermodel and Hollywood actor to embodied leadership and inner freedom, Brett's journey has been one of deep inner inquiry and lived transformation.
Recognised as one of the world's leading consciousness teachers, he has guided over 200,000 people worldwide through profound personal awakening. His work bridges performance and presence, leadership and compassion, truth and love, translating timeless wisdom into practical, lived experience.
Brett's joyful, light, fully committed and deeply grounded facilitation sets the tone for the retreat, creating a space where insight becomes embodied and lasting transformation unfolds naturally.
Joe Van Niekerk
The Warrior Healer
Certified breathwork and somatic movement facilitator.
On the retreat, Joe leads all embodiment sessions; conscious connected breathwork, somatic movement practices and guided awareness work.
His role is to carry Brett's teachings from the mind into the body, creating the conditions for change that is felt, not just understood.
Rupali Mahendra
Retreat Angel
A former New York attorney turned consciousness coach, Rupali's journey into retreat hosting began over 15 years ago when she met Brett. Since then, she has journeyed alongside him through over 50 retreats, holding the space with clarity, care, and heart.
Having lived in nine countries and travelled extensively, Rupali brings a global perspective and deep human sensitivity to the retreat experience. As the journey unfolds, she coaches and supports participants throughout, while seamlessly managing logistics, travel coordination, and collaboration with local Balinese partners, ensuring you feel supported, guided, and held every step of the way.
YOUR RETREAT BEGINS THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE
We'll make sure every step feels effortless.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Fly into King Shaka International Airport.
A shuttle to Salt Rock Hotel takes approximately 20 minutes.
We gather on 23 July between 9am and 11am.
Final activities conclude at 4pm on 25 July. Departure flights should be scheduled for the evening.
Earlier or extended stays can be arranged at your own expense.
TRAVEL SUPPORT
Dedicated team is with you from the moment you book - assisting with travel questions, visa guidance, shuttle arrangements and road trip planning, available around the clock throughout your journey.
WHAT TO PACK
• Loose, comfortable clothing including a lightweight tracksuit
• Comfortable closed walking shoes and beach flipflops
• A good hat, sunscreen, swimwear and a towel
• Insect repellent
• Small backpack with pens, colouring pencils or markers
YOUR RETREAT TICKET INCLUDES:
• Stay at the Salt Rock Hotel (except for Day pass Tickets)
• All daily meals (included in Day pass Tickets)
• Teachings by Brett on the 7 Sacred Miracles
• Hojo Sword Training
• Joe's modalities including conscious connected breathwork
• Beach ceremonies
• Fire ceremony
• Travel support and guidance
From booking to breakthrough - we've got you.
All you need to do is arrive. We'll take care of the rest.
YOU WON'T LEAVE THIS RETREAT THE SAME
Such beautiful, phenomenal teachings. I recommend this to anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed. Brett's teachings resonate at the deepest level.
Retreat Participant
The best investment I have ever made. Ready to let go and grow. And to see life from a completely new perspective.
Retreat Participant
Not only did we have an enormous amount of fun, the whole retreat was spectacularly balanced. I did not expect to laugh as much as I cried.
Retreat Participant
Meeting Brett has been life-changing. He dives deep into spiritual growth, which adds a profound dimension to the transformation process.
Retreat Participant
WHAT MAKES NAMBWA EXTRAORDINARY?
You won't feel like a guest in nature. You'll become part of it.
The wide layout and elevated design ensures privacy, stillness and peaceful nights.
The juxtaposition of luxury + wilderness nurtures trust: you know you're safe, yet untamed.
Waking to silence, starlight and nature primes your nervous system for deep inner work.
This accommodation is more than “where you sleep”. It's a vessel for your transformation.
Exclusive & Secluded
With only 10 spacious tented suites, your retreat won't feel crowded. It will feel sacred.
Treetop Living Among Wildlife
Elevated wooden walkways ensure you tread lightly on the land. Below and around you: elephants, buffalo and plains game roam freely.
Generous Space & Comfort
Each suite spans 110 square metres with a private lounge, en-suite bathroom and full opening walls to bring the outdoors in.
Private Decks & Views
Step out onto your deck each morning. Watch the floodplain awaken. Sip coffee or tea delivered to your tent as dawn breaks.
Design that Honors the Land
Natural, calming decor, mosquito nets, biodegradable amenities and safe storage strike the balance between comfort and ecological respect.
Gathering Spaces with Presence
The lodge's heart is its majestic deck, open airy dining, panoramic views and the chance to spot wildlife right from the lodge grounds.
Wildlife at Your Doorstep
Some days, you won't need to go on a game drive. Animals often drift under your deck or through camp, offering powerful encounters from safety and quiet presence.
Curated Dining Experiences
Imagine a bush dinner on a private island with a symphony of night sounds meeting the crackling of a warming fire. Imagine sundowners with no fences between you and the hippos.
MEET YOUR FACILITATORS
This retreat isn't just held by a place.
It's held by men who've walked through the fire themselves, and returned with the tools to guide others through it too.
Brett Shuttleworth
The Visionary Guide
Former rugby player, international model, Hollywood actor and founder of Smiling Souls Retreats, Brett has spent over a decade helping men rediscover the strength and clarity they thought they'd lost.
His facilitation blends ancient wisdom and embodied practice; breath, sweat, stillness and wild honesty. Brett's gift lies in creating spaces where walls fall away and truth has room to breathe.
Joe van Niekerk
The Warrior Healer
Once a celebrated Springbok rugby player, Joe walked away from the spotlight to follow a deeper calling.
Today, he leads men through transformational experiences that bridge strength with softness, fire with presence and performance with purpose. His own journey from global sports fame to spiritual leadership gives him a rare ability to hold space with power, humility and heart.
Together, Brett and Joe bring deep experience, grounded leadership and embodied truth.
They don't just teach the work, they live it. And they'll hold the fire beside you every step of the way.
INVESTMENT
This retreat is limited to 40 full-board participants.
Once all spots are taken, we close the circle.
23–25 July 2026
Salt Rock Hotel, Ballito, KZN, South Africa
SHARING RATE
ZAR 21,999
Per person · Full board
Shared accommodation at Salt Rock Hotel. All meals, sessions and ceremonies included.
SINGLE RATE
ZAR 27,000
Per person · Full board
Your own private room at Salt Rock Hotel. All meals, sessions and ceremonies included.
DAY PASS
ZAR 13,333
Per person
Attend all retreat sessions, activities and meals across all three days. Ideal for those staying locally. Excludes overnight accommodation only.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? LET'S TALK
Not everyone is ready to book with just a few clicks.
If this retreat stirs something in you, but you want clarity, reassurance or personal guidance before committing - let’s talk.
Schedule a 30-minute call with our team and we’ll walk you through the travel, the experience and the details that matter to you.
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